The workshop is part of the process to gather as much public comment as possible on the staff report entitled Biomass-to Ethanol Fuel Potential in California. It will serve as the basis of a Commission report that Governor Davis has directed through Executive Order D-5-99 to evaluate the potential of a biomass to ethanol fuel potential in the State.

Ethanol is widely regarded as the oxygenate to replace MTBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether) in the State's gasoline supply. Governor Davis has ordered MTBE phased out no later than December 31, 2002, because a growing body of scientific evidence has shown that the additive can contaminate ground water.

The report presents the roadblocks and opportunities to creating a California ethanol industry. At the same time, it highlights the need for a clear, integrated State policy to encourage the development of such an industry, which could create jobs, tax revenues and ample additive stockpile.